We don't always get to choose the path we'll take... Having been separated from family and loved ones, Sivino Spallic and his companions continue their perilous journey south, on a path that leads them to the war-ravaged realm of Rentorria. Despite receiving the mysterious sword from the Goddess Dahnu, Sivino feels entirely unprepared for the fate that awaits him. In the city of Orshos, King Doran Dunarrk learns that the forces invading Rentorria have been joined by unknown beasts whose brutality far exceeds anything his people have ever encountered. The conflict is quickly spreading, he realizes. And his side is losing. To the northeast, Sivino's father Dels leads the people of Egim to Ras, the stone city of the Drales. From there, Dels must journey south in the hope of finding Sivino and his friends to return them safely to their home... or what remains of it. Through all of this, the faeraes Niamh and Cehron Cen Kohr continue to exert their influence. Even as her health fails, Niamh is determined to see a prophecy fulfilled. Cehron's determination, however, is set on sowing chaos at every turn. For him, things are progressing splendidly...